Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s3.t1.6

c7.s3.t1.6

³ Compare K., 149, for the Id displays of the Emperor Humayun. On arrival at the Id Maidan the monarch was greeted by his guard with a show of marksmanship. At some height they used to fit gold and silver targets made in the form of melons. Then advancing in military formation they used to shoot their arrows. Instantly the targets were shattered into bits through their excellent marksmanship. Humayun rewarded the display with handsome gifts of horses and of dresses of honour. Compare also the account of Tarikh-i-Daudi, 9-10, for a famous Afghan marksman named Sikandar Shirwani. He was a young man of exceptionally robust build. He could fit an arrow 11 fists in length (i.e., more than 3 feet) to his bow and shoot it up to a distance of 800 step (about 800 yards).